Amanda Anisimova has withdrawn from the 2026 Charleston Open, where she had been set to compete as the No. 2 seed, citing an injury suffered during the Miami Open. The World No. 6 confirmed the decision through a personal statement, opting to prioritize recovery at the start of the clay-court swing after a physically demanding Sunshine Double.
The American had been due to return to Charleston as one of the tournament’s leading contenders, following a semi-final run at the event in 2025. That campaign ended prematurely with a retirement against Sofia Kenin, already hinting at physical concerns in South Carolina, and her latest withdrawal reinforces a pattern of interruptions around this stage of the season.
Her absence alters the dynamics of the WTA 500 event, removing one of the highest-ranked players in the draw and a proven performer on clay. It also extends a relatively subdued stretch in recent weeks, with Anisimova exiting both Indian Wells and Miami in the round of 16, limiting momentum ahead of a critical phase in the calendar.
Despite those results, her broader 2026 campaign has remained competitive. Semi-final appearances in Dubai and a quarter-final run at the Australian Open have underpinned her rise to World No. 6, confirming consistency at the top level even as injuries and scheduling adjustments begin to shape her trajectory.
Injury setback interrupts clay-court transition
Anisimova’s withdrawal comes at a pivotal moment in the transition from hard courts to clay, a surface that has historically played a role in her development. One of her four career titles came on clay, when she won her maiden WTA trophy in Bogotá in 2019 at just 17, signaling early adaptability across surfaces.
Her decision to step away from Charleston reflects a calculated approach rather than a reactive one, particularly given the timing within the season. With the Madrid Open beginning on April 20, Anisimova now has a defined window to recover and recalibrate before returning as the No. 6 seed at one of the most significant clay-court events outside Roland Garros.
“I’m really sorry to have to miss this year’s Charleston Open,” Anisimova wrote in an statement. “I picked up an injury at the Miami Open and after taking medical advice, I’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw and focus on my recovery. I’ve always loved playing in front of the fans in Charleston, the support there means so much to me. I hope to be back and see you all next year.”